Public Works panel confirmed despite grilling

The first commission appointments of Mayor Eric Garcetti were tested on Tuesday, with tough questioning of one commissioner up for the Board of Public Works -- a former mayoral rival to Garcetti and the only Republican nominated.

Yet even with voiced concern over some of the controversial positions Kevin James took in his role as a talk-show host, he was unanimously approved, as were four other nominees to the city's only paid commission.

Public Works commissioners receive $136,116 a year to oversee the five agencies that provide the most basic public services, from trash collection, wastewater treatment and recycling to street repair, tree trimming and street lighting.

James, who came in third in the primary election and later endorsed Garcetti, sees no conflict between his criticism of city services and taking a paid post.

"I wish I could afford to be paid $1 a year, but I can't," he said following the vote. "As is, I'm taking a pay cut to do this job."

Confirmed along with James were new commissioners Matt Szabo, Mike Davis, Monica Rodriguez and Barbara Romero. The panel is scheduled to hold its first meeting Tuesday, when it will select a board president.

James, who has been the subject of letter and email campaigns against his appointment, said he looked forward to the challenge of the job and insisted his political views would not affect his work or those of the city agencies.

"The last time I looked, potholes are neither Republican nor Democrat," he said.

Councilman Paul Krekorian closely questioned James about his opinions on global warming and climate change and the role of government in dealing with those issues.

James said he recognizes the effect humans have on the environment, but he has opposed certain proposals from government agencies.

"For instance, I was opposed to government being able to control the thermostats in homes," he said. "Growing up, I had severe asthma problems, where the temperature in our home had a major impact on me."

At the same time, he noted that he recognized how important government policies were in reducing smog.

Councilman Gil Cedillo queried James on his views on immigration and immigrants.

In his position as chairman of AIDS Project Los Angeles, James said he reached out to the immigrant community to make sure they received the care needed. He also supports immigration reform.

"As an attorney who has had to deal with the immigration laws, I can tell you the system is broken," he said.

Correction: In the original version of this story, new Public Works commissioner Monica Rodriguez's last name was incorrectly listed as Garcia. The story was changed on July 31, 2013, to correct the error.